How Sonic Drive-In swapped its iconic pitchmen for a 'pandemic-proof' campaign

Chief marketing officer Lori Abou Habib explains how the QSR shifted its focus from its long-running "Two Guys" to real families — right before COVID-19 upended the year.

By Chris Kelly • Dec. 23, 2020

McDonald’s USA president wants to improve transparency with operators

Joe Erlinger's message comes as tensions over 2021 franchising fees reach a boiling point, with operators agreeing to cut off nonessential communication with corporate and pushing for the formation of a tech co-op. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 23, 2020

Chipotle won't mandate employees to get the coronavirus vaccine

CEO Brian Niccol also told CNBC the company will pay for costs associated with the vaccine and will strongly encourage employees to get it. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 23, 2020

Punch Bowl Social declares bankruptcy after nightmare year for eatertainment

As of Dec. 8, the company was only operating three out of its 14 units with limited capacity. The open venues were losing money on a daily basis and the company has since closed them. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 22, 2020

McDonald’s franchisees calls for tech co-op amid new fees, Restaurant Business reports

The National Owners Association's latest push follows news of a $423-per-month technology investment cost added to operators' plates to cover a $70 million "lag" from the old payment structure.

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 22, 2020

Burger King sends customers $1 via Venmo to push new value menu

The $1 Your Way menu features a lineup of Burger King items all priced at $1, including the brand's take on the bacon cheeseburger and its Chicken Jr. sandwich.

By Peter Adams • Dec. 22, 2020

Papa John's to give employees $2.5M in end-of-year bonuses

The additional pay will be awarded to 14,000 team members across the company’s corporate restaurants and supply chain.

By Emma Liem Beckett , Julie Littman • Dec. 22, 2020

Jack in the Box latest restaurant chain to name new CFO

Timothy Mullany will be filling the role after a six-month search, following a string of CFO departures at Cracker Barrel, Taco Bell and Papa John's. 

By Jane Thier • Dec. 21, 2020

Emerging from bankruptcy, California Pizza Kitchen hires new CFO

Judd Tirnauer will lead CPK's financial restructuring strategy, focus on growth opportunities, and oversee the accounting and finance teams.

By Jane Thier • Dec. 17, 2020

Luby's sells 13 Fuddruckers locations to franchisee

The agreement with Black Titan Holdings is part of Luby's plan to sell its assets and liquidate and dissolve Luby's, Inc. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 17, 2020

Luckin Coffee hit with $180M SEC fine

The company misstated earnings and revenue to suggest it was achieving rapid growth and increased profitability when it wasn't, the Securities and Exchange Commission says in its settlement agreement. 

By Robert Freedman , Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 17, 2020

Sweetgreen will open its first drive-thru in 2021

The test location will feature dedicated parking spots where diners can order from intercoms. Customers who want to eat on-premise can dine in their cars or at an outdoor patio area. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 17, 2020

McDonald’s USA president calls for end of corporate communication freeze, Restaurant Business reports

Joe Erlinger called on franchisees in a video Thursday to end a six-week halt in nonessential communication with corporate, which was incited by frustration over new fees and the end of a Happy Meal subsidy. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Jan. 22, 2021

Cracker Barrel CFO to retire

The casual chain has appointed Doug Couvillion, its senior vice president of sourcing and supply chain, as Interim CFO effective upon Jill Golder's Dec. 31 retirement. 

By Jane Thier , Julie Littman • Dec. 15, 2020

Postmates joins Uber, DoorDash in bankrolling driver benefits in CA with price hikes

The aggregators are rolling out customer fees to help pay for healthcare subsidies, mileage reimbursement and occupational insurance they promised in winning ballot measure Proposition 22. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Jan. 20, 2021

Domino's to offer over $9.6M in bonuses to 11,500 employees

During December, company-owned restaurant and supply chain workers will receive up to $1,200 in extra compensation.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 14, 2020

Panera, Pepsi bite into virtual pizza party trend

Starring comedian King Bach, the push spoofs pandemic-spurred trends like virtual parties and cocktail hours on videoconferencing services such as Zoom.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 14, 2020

Starbucks expects to have 55K locations within 10 years

During an investor event this week, Starbucks said it plans to add about 22,000 new units by 2030, with China identified as its priority growth market. 

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 11, 2020

Fat Brands to merge with Fog Cutter Capital Group

The Johnny Rockets owner says the agreement to combine with its controlling stockholder will provide the company with more financial flexibility and simplify its corporate structure. 

By Julie Littman • Updated Dec. 11, 2020

All US Starbucks employees to make at least $15 an hour in 3 years

The company's latest commitment follows an announcement to begin increasing pay by at least 10% starting Dec. 14.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 10, 2020

Taco Bell CFO moves to Qdoba after 6 months

Leviathan Winn, who spent the bulk of his career in investment banking before stepping in as Taco Bell's global CFO in May, was named Qdoba's finance chief Monday. 

By Jane Thier • Dec. 9, 2020

DoorDash valued at $39B after IPO

By selling 33 million shares at $102 a piece, the food delivery company would raise nearly $3.4 million and become the second largest IPO of the year.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 9, 2020

Executive of the Year: Rob Lynch, Papa John's

Lynch vaulted the pizza chain from a culture crisis left by founder John Schnatter to a path to growth marked by menu innovation, a marketing reset and deep franchisee support.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 9, 2020

Company of the Year: Chipotle

While its digital platform has become a major driver of sales during the pandemic, the company's shifting menu innovation and marketing strategies continue to help boost brand awareness and sales.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 9, 2020

The Restaurant Dive Awards for 2020

From Chipotle to DoorDash, these are the companies and executives that led restaurant industry innovation in a time of crisis.

By Restaurant Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020